There is another little house we visit regularly, a tiny forest-enclosed cottage belonging to John's family. With no TV or mobile reception it offers a welcome step away from normal life. And that's where we were this weekend. Breakfast is early for the boys, before they take a walk to look for flints. I prefer to eat alone, a little later, after I've wandered through the garden to see what's happened overnight. A new set of blooms or piece of pottery unearthed by an industrious rabbit, perhaps.

Later, some football will be played, bikes ridden and more walks taken through the forest. The piano will get a workout and tea with cake will be eaten. For the grown-ups, the day ends with a quiet supper, some reading and a nightcap.

It does us good to take time away together and makes returning home, to our own beds and our own lives, seem so much more enticing!

Article originally appeared on little house (http://www.katelyden.com/).